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I just laugh and swat at his broad chest.
“You’re not selfish, but thank you for understanding that I want to do this on my own.”
“No, sweetheart,” he murmurs while seizing my lips in another ravenous kiss. “I assure you, I have some very selfish reasons for wanting to keep you to myself.”
I pout playfully.
“Well, how about you take a break from being selfish, and come help me get my hair nice and clean?”
Most men would shy back in horror, but not my boyfriend. His eyes turn a dark, smokey blue and he lifts me over his shoulder as I squeal. He smacks my ass and heads to the bathroom. “Stop your shrieking, woman. It’s time for me to get you good and clean.”
I let out a satisfied sigh. Peter finally left for work after another hot session in the shower, and I have the day off, so I’ve decided it is time to tell Grams all about our relationship. I’ve been putting this off the past three months. To be honest, I’m not sure why I’ve waited this long to talk to her about my new relationship because it’s not like this is hugely scandalous or anything. Yet, things just feel different with Peter. Maybe it’s because we met at a botched job interview. Maybe it’s because on the side, he’s been giving me money. I know it’s not for sleeping with him, but the cash helps so much when it comes to purchasing Grams’ medications, and I don’t really want to explain where the funds are coming from.
On my way to the apartment, I stop by the store and grab everything I’ll need to make fried chicken and homemade macaroni and cheese. Since I’ve been staying with Peter so much it’s been a while since I cooked, and my fried chicken is May’s favorite. I’m hoping it’ll lessen the blow when she finds out I’ve been in a relationship for three months and haven’t uttered a peep about this momentous change in my life.
Grams is in the kitchen when I walk in with my bags of groceries. She turns to me and smiles so bright I can’t help but smile in return. “Hey, darlin’. Long time no see.”
“I know, I know. I haven’t been back in about a week or so, but Grams,” I say while sitting the bags on the counter. “I got stuff to make fried chicken and mac-n-cheese for lunch.”
“Wonderful. That will go good with this sweet tea I’m brewing. Would you like me to pour you a glass?”
“Yes, please. Thanks, Grams.”
She fixes us both glasses of sweet tea, and then takes hers to sit at the kitchen table to watch while I prepare our lunch.
“That sure smells good over there,” the elderly lady smiles.
A hint of guilt hits me. I shouldn’t have waited so long to talk to my grandmother because I’ve been so shady about my life recently, and she deserves to know the reason. “Yeah, I’m sorry I haven’t been home much.”
“Oh, nonsense honey. You’re an adult woman. There’s no need for you to be stuck in this house with me all the time. You’ve got to live your life.”
I smile over at her while I work on finishing our food. “I know, Grams, but that shouldn’t mean you’re stuck here alone.”
“Who says I’ve been alone?” She raises one eyebrow at me. “I’ve been feeling really healthy recently, so I’ve used the opportunity to go to my book club, and the girls have come over for a few games of poker. I cleaned them out, too.” She smiles and I laugh, shaking my head.
“You’ve always been good at cards. I can’t believe you have any friends left who are foolish enough to play against you for money!”
The elderly woman snickers.
“Guess they thought your grandmother got rusty while the asthma had me down, but now they know how wrong they were.”
I make our plates and join her at the table, the fried chicken golden and delicious. My grandmother take a big bite.
“Mmm. This is as good as always,” she says.
“Thanks, Grams.”
“Now.” She meets my eyes. “You ready to tell me why you really decided to come home and cook me my favorite meal today?”
My mouth drops open, but then I shake my head and laugh. “Never could get anything past you, could I?”
“Nope. And you never will. Now, tell me what’s going on, sweet pea.”
I take a deep breath and then slowly exhale. “Well, I’ve been dating someone.”
My grandmother smiles. “I figured as much.”
“You knew?”
She lets out a laugh.
“Honey, you rarely stay here anymore, and when you do come over, you’re always smiling. Look at you right now. You’re practically glowing.”
“Yeah,” I grin. “I guess it’s pretty obvious, huh?”
“Only to me.” She nudges my arm. “Now, come on and tell me about this man of yours.”
